Frequently Asked Questions

6

What health effects have been found
among persons who were exposed before birth?

6

Many health effects are associated with radiation exposure
before birth. Effects noted among A-bomb survivors
exposed in utero include a reduction in IQ with increased
radiation dose, a higher incidence of mental disability in
those heavily exposed, and impairment in physical growth
and development. Many of these effects seem particularly
pronounced in persons exposed between weeks 8 and 15
of gestation. Death rates and cancer incidence are being
monitored for this group. Previous data suggested a dose-related
increase in cancer risk similar to that seen in A-bomb
survivors exposed as children, but more recent data
indicate that the risk is lower in the survivors exposed in
utero (see "Effects on the in utero exposed" in "Radiation Health Effects").